Whitney Award Winner for Best Historical Romance 2018Miss Belle Heartstone—heiress and savvy businesswoman—needs a husband. Immediately. As in, yesterday would not have been soon enough. Her mother’s attempts at matchmaking have been disastrous. So Belle decides to solve the problem her way—survey the market and purchase the best groom available. Colin Radcliffe, Marquess of Blake—debt-ridden and … Radcliffe, Marquess of Blake—debt-ridden and penniless—needs a large infusion of cash. Desperately. Preferably cash that does not come with a wife attached. It is no surprise, then, when he receives Miss Heartstone’s brazen proposal—her cash, his title, their marriage—that he politely declines.
But before he leaves her, Blake suggests something truly radical: Maybe before finding a husband, Belle should find herself.
His simple words send them both on an unexpected journey, spanning continents and years, entwining their lives in ways neither could have foreseen. Can two lonely souls move past societal expectations and forge a unique life together?
Please note: The basic storyline of Seeing Miss Heartstone was originally published as a novella titled, An Invisible Heiress, in the Spring in Hyde Park anthology. This current novel is a greatly expanded version of that plot, adding over 200 pages of text and creating a more robust, well-developed story.
more
Another fabulous read by Nichole Van! This book is not a time travel novel and doesn’t have any supernatural involved in the plot, but is a delicious story set in Regency England of how two people can grow, mature, and find themselves and each other. The writing, as always, is clever and witty and so much fun. The dialogue, especially between Colin and Belle, is wickedly funny and wonderful. The story spans some seven plus years and quite a bit of the plot is revealed through Colin and Belle’s letter correspondence.
Belle starts out the story as introverted, easily forgotten heiress but develops into a beautiful, confident, gifted entrepreneur when she meets Colin again. Colin, the Lord Blake, is thoroughly likable, intelligent, humble, honorable, loyal, and tender-hearted. Their shared love and compassion for the down-trodden and the poor brings them together in heart and mind, even though Colin doesn’t realize who his business partner is for most of the seven years he is away in India. Their romance is sweet and tender, though fraught with obstacles, deception, and shattered feelings.
If you enjoy Regency romance, this novel is a must-read.
I was given a copy of the book through Kathy at I Am a Reader and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This newest addition by Nichole Van is an absolutely delightful escape to Regency England, and for pure romantics it will not disappoint. But it also deals with larger topics, like the role of women in society and forgiveness after deception. Most of all, it’s a feel-good clean romance that you could recommend to your mother or your granddaughter. Van’s writes Regency in a clever style that appeals to modern readers yet is accurate in both tone and culture.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Miss Belle Heartstone—heiress and savvy businesswoman—needs a husband. Immediately. As in, yesterday would not have been soon enough. Her mother’s attempts at matchmaking have been disastrous. So Belle decides to solve the problem her way—survey the market and purchase the best groom available.
Colin Radcliffe, Marquess of Blake—debt-ridden and penniless—needs a large infusion of cash. Desperately. Preferably cash that does not come with a wife attached. It is no surprise, then, when he receives Miss Heartstone’s brazen proposal—her cash, his title, their marriage—that he politely declines.
But before he leaves her, Blake suggests something truly radical: Maybe before finding a husband, Belle should find herself.
His simple words send them both on an unexpected journey, spanning continents and years, entwining their lives in ways neither could have foreseen. Can two lonely souls move past societal expectations and forge a unique life together?
MY TAKE
I read the much shorter version in the anthology and enjoyed that version. This much longer is even better. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Cat Gould, did a wonderful job!
I really enjoyed this book. It has such a different perspective than the typical book about the English ton. Belle makes an offer of marriage, but instead of yes, she gets some wonderful advice that changes her life.
She enters into a partnership with Blake using only LHF as her name as women are not respected in business.
I love their relation as partners told through letters and riddles. It is so creative.
I highly recommend you read this to find out how their partnership, as well as other things grow.
I read this book when it was just a novella a while ago, and I loved the idea, the characters, the plot–everything about it. When I started reading it again a few days ago I thought, “Wait, haven’t I read this before? I have. But I liked it so I’ll read it again.” Well, turns out it had been fleshed out and turned into a full novel. I wasn’t disappointed at all. It still had many of my favorite moments from before, but it also included a lot more. More interactions, more depth, more that showed me who these characters really were. It was still very romantic and sweet and interesting and different from any other novel, but now it was just more of everything and more in every way. I loved it! Completely!
Nichole Van has written an amazing story in her recent book “Seeing Miss Heartstone”. Begging with the title up to the last penned word, Ms. Van doesn’t use one without it having a specific purpose. Thus, words flow into sentences and paragraphs that will take you on a journey from England to India and back. Her storytelling is so impressive and she paints this story so vividly that one can’t help but experience every single emotion with the characters. Needless to say, the love story between Ms. Arabella “Belle” Heartstone and a certain Marquess named Colin (or Lord Blake), will pull at your heartstrings and leave you begging for more. With writing that cares so much about detail, from the ‘current’ condition of a letter to a person’s most innermost thoughts and opinions, prepare to embark on a thrilling ride where you’ll swoon, laugh, cry, and fall in love with Ms. Van’s characters and world.
Yes, this book deserves 5 stars, it’s become my new favorite, and it’s completely and highly recommended to everyone who loves some Historical Romance (specifically, the Regency era).
I’ve had this on my Kindle for almost two months and am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This was my first book by Nichole Van and I loved it and can’t wait to read more. What a great Regency novel with incredible characters. I enjoyed the first third of this book with relatively no interruptions, but when a big conflict came up and I wanted so desperately to see how it would be resolved I was interrupted constantly by life. It was so painful waiting to see what would happen. So, if you can manage it, try and read this during a time you won’t have a lot of disruptions. It is so good! I loved Belle and Colin! They were such great characters and it was such an interesting twist and story line. I’m kind of sad it’s over and can’t wait to read some of her other work.
This book was truly swoon worthy. It is one of overcoming perceptions, learning to trust, and falling in love with your best friend. I loved the relationship Blake and Belle grew to have through time. A wonderful regency read!
An incredibly well-written regency book! The characters had depth with so much personal growth throughout the story. I loved seeing them and their relationships really develop over time throughout the book. Definitely a great book to curl up with!
Loved it so much! So wonderful!
I loved this book! It was sweet and entertaining. It was fun to see some old favorite characters from previous books as well. I discovered Nichole Van when I found Intertwine on Kindle Unlimited and I quickly read all her books. She is by far my favorite author I’ve come to know on Kindle Unlimited. She has a very fluid writing style and you can’t help but love all the characters she creates. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Wonderful story with a strong female lead character.
Seeing Miss Heartstone by Nichole Van is a delightful Regency romance. The author uses letters between the main protagonists to flesh out and mature their characters. The storyline includes details of the life and times, societal problems and norms of this period that add color and understanding for the reader. This is a well written, easily and eagerly read enjoyable book.
Love Takes Time to Forge
Beautifully written by Nichole Van, Seeing Miss Heartstone is the very sensitive and personal journey of two strangers. Over time, as their paths crisscross, two lonely souls will find what they each have been seeking. Through dialogue, letters and soul searching, they eventually forge a bond that, though bent, will never be broken.
I loved this standalone novel with it’s unique characters. Even with their flaws, Belle and Colin are both people I would like to know better. They both are strong and courageous, but neither are perfect. As with any five-stars read, Ms. Van didn’t ignore the supporting characters. They too are well developed and play pivotal parts in the ultimate happiness of this deserving couple.
All in all this is a book truly worthy of being read and enjoyed.
Content 411: Other than some kissing, this is a sweet and clean read that is suitable for any Regency romance reader.
This was ADORABLE!!!! Seriously, I am going to make some sort of pact with myself to at least make it to chapter 3 before I stop reading! Maybe I have some sort of aversion to background information lol. If you have kindle unlimited or just want a really cute bit of historical fiction to enjoy, I thoroughly enjoyed this! Not the most historically probable novel I’ve ever read, but I enjoyed every bit of it! Call it Regency for modern sensibilities! Happy Reading!
One of Nichole Van’s best. Very enjoyable.
I absolutely adored this book!!! It was wonderful. And somewhat different than the usual romance. Love love love!!
This was a fabulous story with all the right bits pulled in. The writing was beautiful and very in keeping with the era. I absolutely loved the construct of the plot, the characters, and how the built around one another. A definite must-read!
Finally, a savvy woman in this Victorian setting and just the right amount of wit, romance, and woman power to match to a real man.
Love the change in the characters through the passage of time…thoughtfully can be applied to one’s own life..